Mr Sam presents The Bandana Splits

The Bandana Splits album feels like the Andrews Sisters’ style music came back to wave at you while driving down your street. The music mimics the doo-wop and pop styles that were popular during the 50s and 60s. From the minute the first track “Sometimes” starts it transports you back in time and (hopefully) puts a smile on your face. There is something so innocent and adorably fun about these ladies from Brooklyn, NY. If you want to experience this blast from the past for yourself, go download their debut album “Mr. Sam presents The Bandana Splits,” which was released August 19th. You can also catch these lovely ladies live at Rockwood Music Hall tomorrow, August 20th at 7pm.

Tinderbox Interview w/ Alyson Greenfield

Last month I interviewed Alyson Greenfield for Nerds in Babeland. We couldn’t talk about her biggest project, Tinderbox Music Festival, because it was still hugely under wraps. Now that the line-up has been officially announced, I was able to talk with Alyson again and discuss the festival.

More information can be found on the Tinderbox website and Twitter feed.

Jim Jones Revue – Dishonest John

I already wrote a review of Jim Jones’ album, so I’m just going to leave this video here

Jim Jones are set to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday, August 29th at 11:35pm EST. Tour starts September 1st with local dates Sept 10th at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Sept 18th at Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Complete list of dates can be found in my previous post.

Jim Jones Revue – Burning Your House Down

The recent album by Jim Jones Revue, Burning Your House Down, is a flashback to what old time rock ‘n’ roll used to be. If you like the classic rock bands from the 70’s, you will enjoy this band. They have the raw energy and style of other bands of this era, such as Led Zeppelin. I defy you to listen to these songs and not want to groove with the music.  The band has upcoming tour dates in September, including Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Complete list can be found after the jump.

 

9/1/2011 – Vancouver, BC – The Biltmore Cabaret

9/3/2011 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge

9/4/2011 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot Festival

9/7/2011 – San Francisco, CA – Independent

9/8/2011 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo

9/10/2011 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg

9/11/2011 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall

9/12/2011 – Montreal, QC – Casa del Popolo

9/13/2011 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern

9/14/2011 – Chicago, IL – Schuba’s Tavern

9/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – The Blockley Pourhouse

9/17/2011 – Washington D.C. – Black Cat

9/18/2011 – Hoboken, NJ – Maxwell’s

Alyson Greenfield Releases New EP & Video

On Monday, July 18, 2011, Alyson Greenfield had her EP Release Party for her new covers EP. If you have not heard the EP yet, well, you are missing out. I especially love her cover of Milkshake, which is only recognizable if you know the words to the original song. I’ve never heard her perform this cover live, but I have heard her covers of Bad Boys and Gangsta’s Paradise, both of which are on the album as well. Paradise, especially, is a favorite, as it is always great to see the various reactions once people recognize the song. Greenfield plays this one on the Glockenspiel, which you would expect to be a poor choice but turns out an amazing performance. I definitely recommend adding this collection of hip-hop covers to your musical library. You can download the EP from Bandcamp or iTunes now.

Besides having a new EP out, Greenfield has also released her video for Gangsta’s Paradise, which is the last track on her new EP. Watch it below then share with your friends.

There are lot’s of great things happening in the world of Alyson Greenfield. Please go support by spreading the word and purchasing the EP today.

The Whatever Blog Official Northside Showcase – June 18, 2011

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending The Whatever Blog Official Northside Showcase at The Red Star Bar in Brooklyn. The showcase consisted of bands of different musical genres ranging from electronic hip-hop to Japanese punk and Brit pop. It was a fun afternoon to enjoy different bands and tasty eats. Here are some picks of all the bands that participated in the showcase.

LIBEL
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Alyson Greenfield
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Small Mountain Path
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The Nico Blues
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The Senors of Marseille
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Jukebox the Ghost/Wakey Wakey Tour

Last week I was lucky enough to make it to both the Brooklyn and NYC dates of Jukebox the Ghost tour with Wakey Wakey. The Brooklyn show was at Rock Shop, and the other was at Bowery Ballroom. This was my first time at Rock Shop, and it might be one of my new favorite venues. It was a nice space with good sound and just enough room to dance. Highlights from this tour included a very memorable fan at this venue and three new songs performed by the band (two new songs + a tasteless cover). The cover was of Huey Lewis’ “The Power of Love,” which fans seemed to respond well to. The two new songs sound great, and have me very excited for future new material and hopefully a new record. There’s eight videos from the Rock Shop on my YouTube page, but I will post the new stuff below.

Here are the two new songs:

and the tasteless cover:

Like I said, I love the new stuff, and I even caught myself singing them after two nights in a row of seeing them performed live. The complete set list was as follows:

Mistletoe
Half Crazy
Hold It In
Interlude/The Stars
Empire
Summer Sun
new song
Nobody
new song
Good Day
Static
Power of Love (Huey Lewis cover)
Schizophrenia

Be sure to check out the other videos I took, as well as a few pictures from the two shows.

Save the Date: Alyson Greenfield

I know this space has become more of a place to promote things than anything else lately. We’ll get back to reviews soon(ish). In the meantime, let me point you to this show that is happening next week in Brooklyn. Save the date!

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

7:30PM
Paper Garden Records and Whatever Blog Present:
Bruar Falls

245 Grand St

Brooklyn, NY 11211
$10
*Shane Maux from BELIKOS will be beatoxing with Alyson!

Also playing – Wojcik, Infernal Devices, and Golden Ages

Alyson is a very special performer. I will definitely be there to see her new rap. Will you?

Bridges and Powerlines – Mirabell video

I’ve had Bridges and Powerlines’ album sitting on the top of a pile waiting for me to listen to it for weeks now. I’m sorry I haven’t gotten around to it yet, but here’s their new video to tied you over until I do.

I love it because A) it’s a great song, and B) the video is way different and shows creativity.

For more Bridges and Powerlines, check out their website.